Huyhuash Circuit General Info

About Huaraz

Huaraz is the capital of the State of Ancash and the seat of government of the Province of Huaraz in north-central Peru. It lies about 420 km north of Lima at an altitude of 3,100 m, making it a great place to acclimatise. It is the largest population centre in the agriculturally important Callejon de Huaylass valley, a north-south valley bounded on the east by the Cordillera Blanca mountain range and on the west by the Cordillera Negra. The Cordillera Blanca includes Huascaran, the highest mountain in Peru at 6,768 m as well as almost 30 other huge peaks, many of which are visible from the city.

In 1970 avalanches, earthquakes and flood waters destroyed most of the city, leaving behind an ugly, concrete jungle.That said, Huaraz is now prospering from the tourist industry and there are plenty of restaurants and bars to keep visitors happy.

The Cordillera Huayhuash is located in the north of the Peruvian Andes, a 5 hour drive from Huaraz. In 2002 the Peruvian government declared the Cordillera Huayhuash a national reserve.

Flights and travel to Lima and Huaraz.

It’s a long journey to Huaraz.

Most people arrive in Peru via the airport at Lima. Air France, Iberia, Continental, Lan Peru and KLM fly from major UK airports to Lima, usually via Amsterdam or Madrid. It’s an expensive flight, expect to pay £800 or so. Note that if your flight takes you through the United States, even as a transit passenger, you will need ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) clearance.https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

From Lima, trekkers must take an overnight bus to Huaraz, the town nearest to the Huayuhash. There are several reliable companies that operate comfortable sleeper buses between Lima and Huaraz. Traffic in Lima is awful, allow AT LEAST three hour between landing in Lima and departing for Huaraz.

We’ll sort out meet-and-greet services at Lima airport, and book your bus ticket in advance…so there isn’t much to worry about.

Money/ Currency

The official currency is Nuevo Sol. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards are accepted. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment.

Most ATM's pay out US$ and Sol.

There are plenty of ATM's at Lima airport which accept most major debit and credit cards, so you can stock up on Sols on arrival. Most ATM's dish-out US$'s too. There is no need to order local currency in advance.

Equipment transportation

We use mules to carry group camping equipment and your personal equipment during the trek. Bring a duffel bag to pack your personal equipment so that it to be carried by the mules.

Tipping

Our guides, cooks and porters are paid a fair wage. However, tipping is a good idea if you are happy with the service they have provided. 100 - 150 Sols per trekker would be an appropriate tip. As ever in the developing world, it's a good idea to bring your old but serviceable kit as gifts for your staff. Jackets, fleece jumpers, socks, boots all go down a treat!

Accommodation

Tents on the trail (bring your own sleeping bag and camping mat) and Refugio’s where possible. There will be a mess tent for meals, playing cards and general merriment.

When 'off the hill' you will stay in a mid-range hotel in Huaraz.

Climate/ weather/ seasons

You can trek the Huayhuash trail any time of the year, June to September is best. Mountaineering is confined to the months of June, July, August and September (+/- 2 weeks).

Expect cool conditions after dark at lower elevations, it gets very cold at night above 4000m. Conditions on the higher peaks are arctic.

Trekking or climbing outside of the peak months will likely be a very damp experience. As an equatorial country, Peru does not experience large changes in temperature from summer to winter, though temperatures in the dry season are usually several degrees cooler than in the wet season. During the dry season, periodic storms are usually followed by several days to weeks of calm, settled weather. However, even during the dry season keep in mind that alpine weather can be unpredictable, and high winds and storms are possible throughout the entire year.

Red Tape

Confusing and ever changing but we'll sort all of this out, so there's nothing for you to worry about.

Bring a copy of your passport on the trail for the usual, pointless form-filling.

UK citizens do not need a Visa for a stay of less than 90 days in Peru.

Vaccinations

The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to South America. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with your doctor to determine which vaccines you will need.

Hepatitis A Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.

Hepatitis B, especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment.

Rabies, pre-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities. Whilst South American cities appear to be infested with stray dog, rabies is considered to be very rare.

Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to faecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors .

Yellow fever. Yellow fever is a serious viral infection that's usually spread by a type of mosquito known as the Aedes aegypti mosquito.